Chapter 30

Alistair sighed and waved his fingers. Suddenly, the garden lit up, and a variety of dishes appeared on the table.

“Please, help yourself.”

“Thank you!”

He eagerly devoured all the food while Alistair disposed of the carrot peel, the vegetable peeler, and his wet clothes that were hanging over the gazebo.

After returning to the palace and changing Cielo’s soaked clothes, Alistair and Cielo stayed awake all night in the West Wing, brainstorming theories about how he was able to use magic without the traditional act of casting.

The soft light of the moon filtered through the tall windows, casting shifting shadows across the room as they busily scribbled notes and sketches on scraps of parchment.

As dawn broke, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, they had come up with at least six different ideas, eventually honing in on one.

The most compelling hypothesis put forth suggested that he had the ability to recreate or duplicate objects from his former worlds, thereby explaining the unexpected emergence of carrot and vegetable peelers—items that are nonexistent in this realm—upon Cielo’s request.

The process did not necessitate any incantations, as the garden was rich in mana. Love by nature’s will, the mana intuitively aligned with Cielo’s wishes, eliminating the requirement for explicit commands.

With their newfound theory in hand, they decided to put it to the test, a place abundant in mana and their theory turned out to be correct.

However, since Cielo cannot perceive mana and casting without visual confirmation carries significant risks, he can only recreate items from his world in a mana-rich environment.

“I see…”

Konstantinos remarked after their explanation while seated in his office across from Cielo. Alistair stayed behind him, mostly quiet, only speaking up to correct Cielo when needed.

In front of Konstantinos was a drone and its controller, which Cielo had managed to set up before his arrival that morning, along with some vegetable and carrot peels.

“What is the purpose of these items?”

The prince asked, gesturing toward the drone and controller, intrigued by their design.

“These are known as a drone and controller.”

Cielo replied.

Cielo recreated them from his former world with the intention of utilizing them for surveillance within the Imperial Grounds. He wished he could place inscriptions on it to ensure that others would remain unaware of its presence, however, he lacked knowledge regarding the mechanics of inscriptions and their application on the drones. Unfortunately, Newcastle hadn’t had the chance to teach him.

Seeking help from Alistair or Newcastle felt unwise, as he suspected they would disapprove of his intended use for these items.

“They have devices called cameras that capture still images or moving pictures. Since you have contact mirrors, I assume you also have something similar.”

“Yes, we do have recording devices.”

Konstantinos confirmed.

“Then I suppose I need not go into further detail on that.”

Cielo recognized the situation and picked up the controller with the integrated display. He pointed their attention to the screen.

“The drone can fly through the air, and this display shows real-time footage of our surroundings.”

As he spoke, Cielo noticed a sudden change in Alistair and Konstantinos’ expressions.

Had he accidentally disclosed something inappropriate? Their faces indicated that a brilliant idea had just struck them after his comments. Cielo’s heart sank as he watched the gears turning in their minds, the excitement bubbling just beneath the surface.

‘…Oh.’

Cielo muttered quietly to himself as the realization hit him.

He had chosen the drone over more dangerous options like firearms or explosives, thinking it was both practical and harmless. Or so he had thought.

A drone equipped with invisibility and noise-canceling technology would be an efficient surveillance asset. In a military setting, it provides a tactical edge by enabling the monitoring of enemy movements while reducing the risk to personnel.

‘Are they thinking about using my drone?’

He still has the ability to create several more, as long as he is in a mana-rich environment. However, he struggles with the ethical concerns of his creations being used for military purposes. The idea that his drone could play a role in the capture or death of an enemy weighs heavily on his mind.

Konstantinos turned to him and began to speak.

“Can you produce more units?”

“…Yes. As long as I am in a mana-rich environment, I don’t need to do any casting. Are you planning to use it?”

“It has its advantages. Although it appears fragile and may be prone to damage, we could implement some modifications and encase it in a protective barrier.”

“Got it.”

Cielo is one of the prince’s people so he can’t really refuse him.

He could deduce why a spying spell was unavailable. It wasn’t due to a lack of creativity, but rather because mana has a unique reluctance to violate others’ privacy. While it is acceptable to sense the presence of people nearby, as Newcastle had done in the forest, following and spying on them is not allowed.

‘It’s kind of cute of them.’

Finding something tangible, which isn’t even human or alive, to be cute is quite impressive on his part.

The prince finished his tea before continuing the conversation while Alistair filled his cup once more.

“I had intended to assign you to the Magic and Research Department, believing that your insights from your previous world could prove beneficial. However, given your ability to wield magic, albeit in a limited capacity, I have opted to elevate you to a full member of my aide.”

The Magic and Research Department? That sounds fascinating, but after two weeks of helping Fisher in the gardens, Cielo would rather stay in the main palace.

“Then are you bringing me along to that secret place where mana refuses to obey?”

That was his original purpose, to begin with.

Konstantinos looked surprised and quickly shifted his focus to Alistair for an explanation.

The Head Butler responded with a playful smile aimed at the prince.

“He showed a great deal of interest, and I found it difficult to refuse. I apologize for that.”

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“My concern is not with your actions, but rather my surprise that you disclosed something that should have stayed private.”

“I suppose I’ve grown a bit fond of him.”

Alistair said nonchalantly.

Cielo pondered whether this revelation would put Alistair in a difficult situation, but he was surprised when Konstantinos didn’t respond with anger. Instead, he simply took a deep breath and casually popped a grape into his mouth, showing an impressive level of indifference to the matter, which reflected his deep trust in Alistair.

‘It seems their relationship goes beyond that of a typical master and servant.’

Their bond is clearly much deeper.

This revelation sparked Cielo’s curiosity about Alistair’s true identity, but he held back from asking more, knowing that the truth might be tied to past tragedies or traumas. Cielo was hesitant to reopen any old wounds.

“The initial intention was certainly to proceed as planned. Nevertheless, the situation may require additional time, given that the Empire has recently experienced a considerable setback as a result of the alliance. Currently, I find myself too preoccupied to attend to my personal interests.”

Konstantinos replied.

This was the reason for the emergency meeting that Rene had mentioned to him.

The prince seems unfazed at the moment, indicating that the situation is already progressing well, with only the paperwork left to complete. With this in mind, Cielo tilted his head and asked.

“What is it that keeps you so busy?”

He isn’t entirely acquainted with the duties of an Imperial Prince at court, nor does he know if Konstantinos has a specific position. Furthermore, given the numerous princes and princesses, it seems logical that they could effectively assist the Emperor.

What he does know for certain is that the prince is deeply involved in paperwork and various operations.

“In addition to his position as an Imperial Prince, His Imperial Highness also holds the position of Head of the Magic and Research Department.”

Alistair answered in place of the prince, and he seemed quite proud.

Konstantinos has two roles, which accounts for his constant busyness. In contrast, his own role, which involves simply assisting Fisher, is much more laid-back. One must consider the prince, who is managing two jobs.

‘He doesn’t seem particularly old.’

Yet, he is already burdened with many duties that hinder him from fully enjoying life due to his commitments. Cielo felt a wave of sympathy for the prince.

“Regardless, your duty from this point on will be to recreate these items.”

The prince then gestured toward the drone.

“In addition to developing other tools and weapons from your world that you believe would be beneficial here. Rest assured, all of this will be credited to you.”

Cielo raised his hands to indicate to the prince that he had something to share.

“Go ahead.”

The prince urged.

“I would like to be acknowledged for my contributions, but I also wish to maintain my position as an assistant gardener. I prefer not to reveal my identity as a mage or your aide at this moment.”

His reluctance stems from a desire to avoid being conscripted into military service. There is no telling if a shortage of mages might prompt the Emperor to summon all available casters and mages for deployment. Cielo is determined to avoid such a fate.

Cielo then lowered his hands as he elaborated further.

“Being an assistant is manageable for me, allowing me to balance both roles effectively. I assure you it won’t create any issues.”

“If that is your wish, Alistair will arrange for a shortcut to be created in your room that leads to the West Wing, allowing you to avoid the need for a discreet entrance.”

Alistair proceeded to speak on the prince’s behalf.

“The passage I would connect to your chamber can only be accessed with this.”

He pointed to the emerald brooch pinned to his chest and moved closer to the prince’s table. There, he retrieved a black box and set it down in front of Cielo.

Cielo recognized it as the same box Alistair had brought with him during a brief absence the previous night when he had gone to fetch food and drinks. It was clear that Alistair had anticipated the prince’s choice to appoint him as an aide even before Konstantinos had arrived.

“This item is intended for you.”

As he opened the box, he found a brooch that perfectly complemented the one Alistair was wearing.

When he took the brooch out of its box, he felt an unusual concentration of mana within it. It seems different than usual.

Cielo looked at Alistair, who began to explain without any need for encouragement.

“The mana contained in the brooch originates from the First Emperor. This artifact grants entry to several restricted areas within the Imperial Grounds, where the First Emperor established a barrier using his own mana. These barriers are uniquely aligned with the mana of the brooch, enabling your access. As a result, the Imperial Family is hesitant to distribute these brooches freely to those who have not proved their loyalty.”

It’s reasonable considering that this place is filled with spies. It would be catastrophic if they were given access to various restricted areas within the Imperial Grounds.

‘In what manner did I demonstrate my loyalty?’

His actions consist solely of adhering to instructions and conforming to expectations, except for going into the maze and stepping foot outside the Haunted Palace. How did they come to trust him?

Alistair chuckled softly, seemingly understanding his worries.

“You needn’t dwell on this any longer, young master. The only thing you must understand is that we have sufficient trust in you to bestow this authority.”

The Head Butler said, gesturing to the brooch he was holding.

“Very well then. Thank you.”

Only idiots would reject this authority and power.

“Ah, young master. If you intend to keep your role as His Imperial Highness’ aide a secret, it would be prudent not to reveal it to anyone. For instance, Doctor Happy concealed hers within her skirt, as she mentioned.”

Alistair’s timing is impeccable as always, as he was just considering where to place the brooch.

“I’ll also attach it to the interior of my clothing.”

It is far too valuable to be left in his quarters, and it would be a missed opportunity not to make use of it.

As he was securing it within his shirt, Cielo thought about Dr. Happy. The fact that she has a similar brooch suggests she is not a spy, and there must be another reason for her ignorance regarding his true identity as a Traveler. Whatever that reason may be, it has nothing to do with loyalty.

‘It’s reassuring to know.’

Her presence has grown more important to him, and it would be disappointing if she turned out to be an enemy.

After the brooch was firmly attached to his shirt, a sudden click echoed in the room, making him jump. It was Konstantinos, who had slammed his teacup down on the table, looking at him with a serious expression as he began to speak.

“Now that this task is complete, we must address the various issues that have arisen during my absence.”

“Haha…”

‘I thought I had escaped that!’

It seems Konstantinos was not willing to let this go.

“In my defense, I was abandoned without any additional guidance.”

He had simply been told to stay put until the prince arrived. What was he supposed to do in the meantime? Boredom was beginning to take hold!

“You are an adult, and it’s generally expected that one avoids entering restricted areas.”

The prince let out a deep sigh before shifting his gaze.

“I heard you ran into my cousin, and he had seen you without your disguise.”

“Ah, yes… I admit that might have been my mistake.”

He had been quite awkward at that moment. Losing just his hat would have been manageable, considering the existence of hair dyes, but exposing his eyes as well was an entirely different issue!

Konstantinos shook his head.

“It doesn’t matter. My cousin will maintain his silence. However, in the past few days, he has been contacting me, indicating a wish to see you again and even to offer you a position with him. He has tried to obtain information about you, but Alistair has successfully impeded all of his attempts.”

“Please don’t throw me away!”

And not to that bastard, of all people!

“I recognize my error, so I beg you not to.”

Alistair may hold back, but Konstantinos remains a mystery. He is always difficult to read.

“I won’t dismiss you, as you are valuable.”

“Assho—I mean, thank you. No offense intended, your cousin is quite unusual.”

“You are not wrong.”

Luckily, the prince didn’t seem offended by his candid comment this time. He genuinely seems to be in a good mood.

‘It seems that my ability to wield magic positively influenced his mood.’

Alistair was right once again.

“Maybe he should consider getting some professional help?”

He suggested.

Castiel’s feelings toward individuals of the same gender are not the issue, as Cielo has no concerns in that regard. Rather, it is clear that those who engage in stalking and the unauthorized gathering of personal information may be facing mental health issues.

Additionally, it prompts the question of who, in a rational state of mind, would choose to work for someone who has harassed them in such a way.